Daily Image
22-11-2014
Sinterklaas, the Children's Friend
| Submitter: | Jan Noordam |
| Description: | Today is the traditional St Nicolas (Sinterklaas) party for the children of ASTRON, JIVE, NOVA and DOME employees. Just like his offshoot Santa Claus, Sinterklaas brings presents for all the children who have been good during the past year. But the older benefactor has the more gruelling schedule: not only does he deliver the goods on a single evening into millions of chimneys, seated on a presumably sure-footed white horse, but in the days and weeks before the 5th of December he also makes thousands of personal appearances like the one to our institute today. And although he does not have to do it all by himself, and has fewer households to serve, it is no wonder that his style is somewhat less jolly than Santa's: no "ho-ho-ho" from an exhausted Sinterklaas. Despite the obvious similarities (which are driven by globalisation), there are significant differences between the two traditions. The most important is that Sinterklaas is much more intimate, aimed at the inner family: Of course the Dutch economy cannot afford to ignore the consumptional opportunities of Christmas. But our parents, children and shopkeepers are united in the wish to preserve the unique charms of Sinterklaas as well. |
| Copyright: | ASTRON PV |
| Tweet |  |